6 emaciated horses seized from Harford County farm

Owners of Rayan Farm on Baldwin Mill Road could face charges

A half-dozen emaciated horses are being cared for at a rescue farm in Woodbine after being confiscated from a Harford County property on Friday.

Officials said the six horses -- four mares and two stallions -- are several-hundred pounds underweight, and more animals could be in danger.

The thoroughbreds are currently being rehabilitated at the Days End horse rescue farm in Howard County. Officials said the horses were found in various stages of emaciation on the 68-acre Rayan Farm on Baldwin Mill Road in the Forest Hill area.

Harford County officials said the owners of the farm claimed they could no longer care for the animals and were trying to give them away. One died, and six more are expected to be removed this week.

On a body-scale rating of 1 to 9 -- 9 being the best shape -- the seized horses rate a 1 to 3, officials said.

"These parts of the body -- the backbone sticking up, the ribs, the tail head and the hips -- all of that. You shouldn't be able to see this bone structure. And keep in mind, she's got a full winter coat," said Days End Farm manager Brittney Carow while showing off one of the horses.

Officials said the horses range in age from 4 to 12 years old. One had a swollen knee, and several suffered from dermatitis.

The horses are still being evaluated but, so far, Days End officials said there are no additional signs of physical abuse other than starvation. She said the horses weigh roughly 1,000 pounds apiece now, but they have hundreds to gain. Carow said that's something that has to be done over a period of months.

"Multiple small meals a day -- their bodies aren't meant to eat three larger meals, so they're actually going to eat about five to six smaller meals a day," she said.

Days End Farm is taking care of about 60 horses, all in different stages of rehabilitation. It's cost anywhere from $1,900 to $2,400 per horse per month, the farm said.

"We are privately funded by your regular Mary and Joe who are supporting us, so $20 goes a long way," said Caroline Robertson, the Days End development director.

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be sent to DEFHR, P.O. Box 309, Lisbon, Md. 21765.

Days End has a 94 percent success rate, depending on the investigation, officials said. The recently seized horses will be up for adoption by the fall.

Days End said it's taken in 10 horses since Jan. 1, including three thin ponies from Anne Arundel County and an emaciated horse from Howard County. Officials said the ponies are progressing well, and the Howard County horse is slowly getting better, too.

Meanwhile, Harford County officials said misdemeanor charges are pending against the owners of Rayan Farm. Each charge carries a $1,000 fine and a possible 90-day jail sentence.

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